Shows that require “in ears”

[Call_me_jorge]

I saw Six in Chicago last night and noticed that all the actresses were wearing in ears as if they were performing in an actual concert. I thought it was strange, but I guess since the show is more similar to a concert than a standard show its probably needed. Are there any other shows that are noticeable of having the actors needing ear pieces to get the notes and tempos? I think I remember reading In Transit needing them. Other than that I cant think of anything.

[ColorTheHours048]

Octet uses them currently, I believe. Personally, I think the show would benefit from zero amplification, but I have no idea what that would do for the sound, logistically speaking. More as an experiment.

[trpguyy]

In Transit, Great Comet, Spring Awakening revival, Hair have all used them to some degree

[Music_Maker42]

Is that because the band/orchestra was located elsewhere in the cases of Comet and Hair? Also there’s a lot of parts in the music. For a cappella I totally understand. For the others I’m kind of wondering why.

[IdinaBellFoster]

China Doll.

[AEA AGMA SM]

In the case of Great Comet it wasn't just because the band was in a different place, but because the cast was all over that theatre. Providing traditional monitors to cover every space they were in would have been a designer's nightmare.

[Shh_413]

IdinaBellFoster said: "China Doll"

I'd like to add Misery to this >:)

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

They were used in the Hedwig revival, likely for the reasons you stated in your first post—it was so similar to a concert.

[Luminaire2]

Elsa uses them during Let it Go.

[trpguyy]

Music_Maker42 said: "Is that because the band/orchestra was located elsewhere in the cases of Comet and Hair? Also there’s a lot of parts in the music. For a cappella I totally understand. For the others I’m kind of wondering why."

Generally speaking, it’s all about getting the performers to hear what they need to hear without negatively impacting what the audience hears. 

The cast and/or band being significant spread out (Comet, In Transit, Spring Awakening), an onstage rock/horn band (Hair), loud sound effects (Let It Go) are all things that would make the use of traditional/loudspeaker monitors extremely challenging. 

There is also the fact that performers have very different opinions on what they like to hear, and catering to everybody’s needs/wants is not always possible with traditional monitors. In ear monitors allow for much more individual control.